Chelsea injury news: Blues 'learn' whether Liam Delap requires hamstring surgery, recovery time predicted

Chelsea have reportedly learned that Liam Delap will not require surgery on a hamstring injury sustained last month.

During the early stages of the Premier League fixture with Fulham prior to the international break, Delap pulled up with a clear hamstring issue.

The club's medical staff quickly established that the injury was significant enough for the Englishman to be sidelined for months rather than just weeks.

As such, Marc Guiu was recalled from his loan stint with Sunderland in order to provide backup and competition for Joao Pedro.

Delap's initial recovery timeframe was predicted for some point in October at the earliest, yet the 22-year-old faces a lengthier period out of action.

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When will Delap return for Chelsea?

According to The Athletic, Delap and Chelsea have received a boost with the news that surgery will not be required.

However, it is also suggested that the former Ipswich Town star will not return to training until November at the very earliest.

With an international break taking place during the middle of that month, it is plausible to expect Delap to be gradually eased back into action on the training pitch.

The report suggests that Chelsea are aiming to have Delap back available for the busy Christmas schedule.

Up to and not including the December 20 trip to Newcastle United, Chelsea have a minimum of 20 matches to play until that part of the calendar.

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Major blow for Chelsea

If Delap had been due back for the early part of November as initially anticipated, Maresca would have been content with that outcome.

Now, the Italian faces the prospect of having to rotate Pedro and Guiu in order to ensure that he has two centre-forwards at his disposal.

Tyrique George is an alternative for the number nine role, but the general consensus is that the aforementioned duo will be preferred.

Pedro has five goals from his first six matches in a Chelsea shirt, while Guiu only has 83 minutes of Premier League football under his belt for the West Londoners and Sunderland.